ground cover

noun

1
: the small plants on a forest floor except young trees
2
a
: a planting of low plants (such as ivy) that covers the ground in place of turf
b
: a plant adapted for use as ground cover

Examples of ground cover in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Voles, which are herbivores, construct surface or underground runways in areas of heavy ground cover. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024 This ground cover makes the conditions ripe for fast-burning blazes. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 Winter is a stress free time to add hardy trees, shrubs and ground covers to the landscape. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024 By replacing a lawn with low-maintenance landscaping options such as native plants, ground covers, or hardscape features, homeowners can reduce the time and effort spent on yard maintenance. Kobi Bardugo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ground cover 

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ground cover was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near ground cover

Cite this Entry

“Ground cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20cover. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground cover

noun
: low-growing plants that cover the ground (as in a forest or in place of grass or a lawn)
also : a plant used as ground cover

More from Merriam-Webster on ground cover

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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